Chronic illness is certainly one of the subjects I can discuss at length (along with Harry Potter, Miraculous Ladybug, Angels of Death, and several more). With the launch of Mental Health Mondays, I felt it was an opportune moment to spotlight some of the chronic illnesses faced by anime characters.
10. Kentarou Momose from My New Boss is Goofy
Kentarou is a young man coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from past life events. His chronic mental health issue affects his everyday activities, making it difficult to feel secure or relaxed in social situations. Kentarou’s PTSD triggers lead to him being easily startled and anxious. Consequently, this impacts his ability to connect with others and manage his daily work life.
Despite these hurdles, he exhibits considerable personal growth throughout the series and learns to cope with his symptoms.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
9. Ayase Shinomiya from Guilty Crown
- Chronic illness: paraplegia
Physically affected by a previous incident, Ayase is left reliant on a wheelchair. Yet, her condition doesn’t define her, as she is an exceptionally intelligent and capable individual, making substantial contributions to her team with her technical knowledge.
While she navigates the everyday challenges of living with a disability, Ayase’s determination and strength stand out. She exemplifies a character who, regardless of the restrictions posed by her illness, does not allow it to impede her contributions or her resolve to advocate for her beliefs.
8. Riki Naoe from Little Busters!
- Chronic illness: narcolepsy
Riki grapples with Narcolepsy, a condition that induces sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep. This chronic illness profoundly influences his social interactions and his capacity to partake in activities with his peers. Riki frequently finds himself in situations where he unexpectedly dozes off, leading to awkward and sometimes perilous moments.
However, his illness also serves as the emotional heart of the story, as his friends band together to offer support. Riki’s journey revolves around accepting his condition and living life to the fullest despite it.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
7. Jun Misugi from Captain Tsubasa
- Chronic illness: chronic heart condition
A soccer player confronted with his chronic heart condition, Jun has limited ability to play the sport he cherishes. His heart issue has been a struggle for years and necessitates frequent breaks from the game, impairing his performance on the field.
Nonetheless, Jun remains committed to his passion for soccer and perseveres through the physical barriers imposed by his illness. His character symbolizes the significance of pursuing one’s passion, even in the face of continuous challenges and hurdles brought on by chronic illness.
6. Kagaya Ubuyashiki from Demon Slayer
- Chronic illness: congenital terminal illness
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the gentle leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, endures a heartbreaking hereditary illness stemming from a curse linked to his family’s association with Muzan Kibutsuji. His condition leads to gradual deterioration of his body, resulting in blindness, severe weakness, and purple scars on his face.
Even while bedridden, Kagaya guides with soothing authority, remembered for his kind nature and sharp intellect. His illness does not deter him from leading the Corps, ultimately making the ultimate sacrifice in a desperate attempt to weaken Muzan, the series’ main antagonist.
5. Mitsuki Koyama from Full Moon o Sagashite
- Chronic illness: throat cancer
Mitsuki Koyama yearns to become a professional singer above all else—but her body has different plans. Upon being diagnosed with throat cancer, she faces a heart-wrenching decision: undergo surgery and potentially lose her voice, or leave it untreated and endanger her life.
Her circumstances shift dramatically when two shinigami appear, informing her that she has only a year left to live. With time ticking away, Mitsuki resolves to pursue her dreams with unwavering passion, determined to make the most of the time she has remaining.
This was one of my first experiences with anime and manga. It truly inspired me to start drawing more. I cherish the vintage design graphics. Both the anime and manga moved me deeply (despite having slightly different storylines).
Check out Searching for the Full Moon Manga
4. Nagisa Furukawa from Clannad
- Chronic illness: weakened immune system
From birth, Nagisa Furukawa has endured an unnamed hereditary condition that results in recurring fevers, weakness, and discomfort. Throughout Clannad, she grapples with frequent episodes of this illness, leading her to miss school and various social opportunities. In Clannad: After Story, this challenge grows larger, culminating in her passing following the birth of her daughter, Ushio.
Clannad addresses Nagisa’s story in a way few anime do. When she voices concerns that she burdens her parents with her issues and stops them from fulfilling their aspirations, they assertively respond that she does not, and their responsibility is to care for her and support her in achieving her dreams. It’s common for individuals with a chronic illness or disability to feel like a burden, so it’s refreshing to see Nagisa’s parents explicitly counter such feelings.
3. Tatsuhiro Satou from NHK
- Chronic illness: social anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia
I’ve previously covered Welcome to the NHK in detail, but this instance is more about mental health than physical. Still, the protagonist faces his mental illness, which induces numerous physical issues.
It’s clear he suffers from panic disorder/social anxiety and possibly agoraphobia. The anxiety manifests in full-blown panic attacks that leave the individual feeling nauseous and dizzy. Even standing can be a struggle.
2. Rachelle Fletcher from Where Tangents Meet
- Chronic illness: post-traumatic cognitive regression
Naturally, I had to include a webtoon in this list. One such online comic (animated) was created by instantmiso, the same creator of Siren’s Lament that we’ve highlighted previously.
Rachelle is an 18-year-old girl who was once very mature and skilled at dancing. However, after a childhood accident, her mental state is altered. Now, she displays a charmingly naive demeanor, typically smiling and laughing, though she occasionally reveals moments of genuine sadness—emotions that still persist within her.
She tends to be less aware and somewhat oblivious, often missing casual jokes or subtle social hints. While this transformation was not innate to her, it is nonetheless a chronic condition she will need to navigate for the rest of her life.
Link to Where Tangents Meet(Webtoon)
1. Harunobu Nikaidou & Kai Shimada from March Comes in Like a Lion
- Chronic illness: chronic kidney disease (Nikaidou), recurring stomach condition (Shimada)
In March Comes in Like a Lion, both Harunobu Nikaidou and Kai Shimada exemplify the resilience of individuals living with chronic conditions.
Nikaidou, the self-proclaimed rival of protagonist Rei Kiriyama, suffers from a lifelong kidney disease, likely nephrotic syndrome, which results in fatigue and swelling. Yet, he remains passionate about both his careers as a shogi player and children’s book author.
His mentor, Shimada, also endures health battles, suffering from chronic stomach pains that sometimes impede his ability to eat or complete matches.
So there you have it—9 various anime characters and 1 webtoon character living with chronic illnesses. While this differs somewhat from our usual #MentalHealthMonday theme, I hope you find it enjoyable!
As always,
Keep Smiling!
